Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

BEST TIME I EVER SPENT IN MY LIFE - I WISH I STAYED February 07, 2023

By (Physics, Wellesley College) - abroad from 09/04/2022 to 12/20/2022 with

Study Abroad in Egypt at the American University in Cairo

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned a lot about how beautiful Arab/Egyptian culture is; people are very kind and open to helping you. It was very worthwhile.

Review Photos

Study Abroad in Egypt at the American University in Cairo Photo Study Abroad in Egypt at the American University in Cairo Photo Study Abroad in Egypt at the American University in Cairo Photo Study Abroad in Egypt at the American University in Cairo Photo

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 6 months+

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Academic rigor depends on the classes that one chooses. I would say the academic rigor is manageable; however, if you happen to be taught by a not-so good professor, it will be hard to manage the course especially if it's in the STEM field.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The administration was friendly. IPSO was the international and exchange students' go-to whenever we had a problem. They are really friendly though they can be really busy sometimes.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

You cannot choose your roommate, which was upsetting as I did not vibe with the first roommate assigned to me as she tried to coerce me to move downstairs to make space for her friend. Housing is expensive for one room. I wish I had access to a single room as I would have rather paid for a single.

* Food:

Food was amazing despite not having a dining hall plan or dining halls at all. You have to buy your food and dedicate a budget to that as well.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I was technically considered a local as I am Arab so my heritage is deeply tied to Egypt. I did not feel like a stranger at all and felt like I was back home.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I have been to the hospital twice and I loved my experience. Nothing to complain about. Much cheaper and more accessible than healthcare in the US.

* Safety:

I felt very safe and experienced no incidents. However, I'd recommend that students are always accompanied by someone, preferably an Arabic speaker whenever they go out. I would warn of scammers, so always have an Egyptian and a local come with you. Ask questions and reach out. Never hesitate.

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

Finances

* Money: How easily were you able to live on a student's budget?

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

I did not cook so I had to buy food everyday. Food is much cheaper in Egypt if you think of it in US dollars. I do recommend cooking as kitchens are very accessible and big enough; they are not reserved and they're for public use.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Direct Enrollment/Exchange

* Did you study abroad through an exchange program or did you directly enroll in the foreign university? Exchange

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with?

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • People
  • Food
  • Places
* What could be improved?
  • nothing
  • nothing
  • nothing
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I had planned a trip to Luxor and Aswan.

Reasons For Studying Abroad

To help future students find programs attended by like-minded individuals, please choose the profile that most closely represents you.
The Avid Adventurer
The wardrobe you packed was better suited for a semester of camping than club hopping. Outdoorsy, you might forgo a crazy night out for an early all-day adventure. You'd rather take in the rich culture of an old town than the metropolis of a modern city, but for you getting off the grid is ideal.